SPRINGFIELD -- Requests for ambulance services to the Effingham County EMS Department have increased to more than double the usual call volume this week.

 EMS Director Wanda McDuffie stated today that, “Due to the COVID-19 surge, county ambulance services are being stretched to their limits, and the Effingham Hospital and adjoining county hospitals are experiencing extended wait times of six hours or longer.” 

Effingham County is asking that if you do not have a life-threatening emergency, contact or visit your primary care physician or local urgent care centers. Effingham County has numerous places to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to protect yourself and others. 

For vaccination information, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov or call their vaccine scheduling resource line at (888) 457-0186.